Tutorial2026-01-28

Getting Started with OpenClaw: A Complete Beginner's Guide

OpenClaw is your personal AI assistant that can actually execute tasks on your behalf. This guide walks you through everything from installation to running your first automated workflow.

1Check Prerequisites

OpenClaw requires Node.js 22 or higher. You'll also need an Anthropic API key or an active Anthropic Pro/Max subscription. macOS, Linux, and Windows (via WSL2) are all supported.

# Check your Node.js version
node --version
# Should output v22.x.x or higher

# If you need to install/update Node.js:
nvm install 22

Tip: We recommend using nvm (Node Version Manager) to manage Node.js versions. This makes it easy to switch between versions if needed.

2Install OpenClaw

Install OpenClaw globally using npm or pnpm. This gives you access to the openclaw CLI command from anywhere.

npm install -g openclaw@latest

# Or with pnpm:
pnpm add -g openclaw@latest

# Verify installation:
openclaw --version

3Run the Onboarding Wizard

The onboarding wizard guides you through configuring your Gateway, workspace directory, messaging channels, and skills. It also installs the Gateway daemon so OpenClaw stays running in the background.

openclaw onboard --install-daemon

Tip: The wizard will ask for your Anthropic API key. You can also configure this later in the config file or via the vault command.

4Connect a Messaging Channel

OpenClaw supports 13+ messaging platforms. The easiest way to start is with Telegram—create a bot via @BotFather, copy the token, and add it during onboarding or in your config.

# Or add manually to config.yaml:
channels:
  telegram:
    enabled: true
    botToken: "YOUR_TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN"
    dmPolicy: pairing

Tip: DM pairing is enabled by default for security. When someone messages your bot for the first time, they'll receive a pairing code you need to approve.

5Run Your First Task

Send a message to your OpenClaw via Telegram (or your configured channel). Try simple tasks first—ask it to check the weather, summarize a webpage, or create a file on your system.

Tip: Start with low-risk tasks to build confidence. OpenClaw can execute shell commands, so test in a safe environment first.

6Customize and Extend

Explore OpenClaw's capabilities by installing skills from ClawHub, setting up cron jobs for recurring tasks, and configuring integrations with your favorite tools and services.

# Browse available skills
openclaw skills search

# Install a skill
openclaw skills install weather-reporter

# Set up a scheduled task
openclaw cron add "0 9 * * *" "Give me a morning briefing"

What's Next?

Now that you have OpenClaw running, explore real-world use cases or learn how to secure your installation.

Explore Use Cases Security Guide